Caprese Orzo salad

5 from 4 votes

Caprese Orzo salad

This is a delicious pasta salad with fresh cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella pearls and orzo pasta. The easy balsamic vinaigrette creates a delicious-looking and tasting salad!

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 389Kcal

Author: Susan Moncrieff

Ingredients

1 cup orzo cooked per package directions and cooled
8 oz mozzarella pearls small balls of fresh mozzarella
1 Pint cherry tomatoes
¼ cup Fresh basil cut in chiffonade (roll the leaves then slice thinly)

Ingredients, Balsamic Dressing

½ cup olive oil
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 large clove finely minced garlic

Instructions

Cook orzo pasta according to directions. Make sure you do not overcook it! Drain, stir in about 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil so the orzo doesn’t stick together. As it’s cooling, you will have to stir it a few times. Orzo must be cool prior to assembling!
In a separate mason jar, mix all balsamic dressing ingredients together. Notice that the mason jar has the measurement markings on it. No need to dirty any measuring cups! Shake well prior to serving.
Mix tomato halves, mozzarella pearls and basil into orzo. Add about ¾ of the dressing, reserving the balance to add just prior to serving. The pasta does absorb the dressing so it’s nice to drizzle some on just prior to serving.

Notes

This salad uses simple, fresh ingredients that highlight classic Caprese flavors. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, but grape tomatoes or diced garden tomatoes can be used instead. Mozzarella pearls are convenient, but larger fresh mozzarella can be cubed if needed. Fresh basil adds the signature flavor—slice it into thin ribbons (chiffonade) for best results. The homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together and can be made ahead for quick assembly. If substituting the pasta, use any small-shaped pasta like ditalini or small shells.

Nutrition (I am not a nutritionist. These are estimates only)